In Episode 79 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Kim Pollok | From Layoff to CEO," host Bryan Eisenberg explores the unlikely rise of Kim Pollok from a December 31 call-center layoff to the corner office at SWBC Payroll & HR. Published June 23, 2026, the conversation arrives as employers grapple with hybrid work, multigenerational teams, and the rapid integration of AI into HR and payroll systems. Pollok, who advanced her career without a college degree, provides a candid guide for leaders on developing talent, retaining clients, and ensuring compliance in a changing environment.
Pollok's ascent began when her previous employer, a call center with over 2,000 workers, gave staff the choice to relocate to El Paso or be laid off. SWBC ran the closing job fair, then offered her an entry-level benefits coordinator role at $10,000 less than her HR-manager salary. She accepted the offer that afternoon. Over 16 years, she climbed to CEO, a path marked by key decisions such as saying "yes" to the SWBC PEO acquisition when no one on the team knew what a PEO was, and actively seeking mentors including SWBC Mortgage CEO Susan Stewart and FI division CEO Mark Hine.
One of the most impactful lessons Pollok shares comes from Stewart: "Stop letting people give you dead birds. Don't allow people to just give you their problem and then you are taking on everybody's problem without some solutions, because you're collecting everyone's dead birds and you can't do anything with it." Pollok now uses this framing with her own team, along with a second mandate: "You have a seat at the table, you've earned a seat at the table, use your voice."
The podcast also delves into the challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce, including baby boomers, Gen X, and Gen Z, under one roof without abandoning fairness. Pollok emphasizes the importance of clear communication and equitable policies. On the technology front, SWBC Payroll & HR has implemented a secure, private AI system for research and workflows, ensuring client and financial data remain protected. This move reflects the broader industry trend of adopting AI while addressing security concerns.
SWBC Payroll & HR, privately held by Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley, serves clients ranging from five employees to 7,000 across roughly 42 states, with typical books between 40 and 300 employees. Industries served include hospitals, urgent cares, construction, property management, nonprofits, train-car refurbishers, and pig farms. The firm positions itself as an essential back-office partner for small and mid-sized businesses, providing over 70 specialists at a cost-effective rate. Pollok also notes SWBC's sponsorship of the Round Rock Chamber's Women Who Mean Business event featuring Olympian Cat Osterman, underscoring the company's commitment to community and leadership development.
Pollok's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving HR landscape. Her insights offer practical takeaways for leaders navigating hybrid work, generational divides, and the integration of AI, all while maintaining a focus on people and relationships. Episode 79 is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
